Acceptable Operating Parameters for Steam Assisted Flares At Purge Rates

Recent field observations by TCEQ have revealed what appears to be poor flare destruction efficiency by some steam and air assisted flares when operating at turndown condition. Using specialized infrared cameras, unburned hydrocarbons were detected coming from improperly operated flare systems. Despite these findings, the general belief among industry flare experts is that through proper operation of existing flares, the destruction efficiency can be very high even at turndown rates. Meeting proper destruction efficiency requirements with existing flare systems at low gas flow rates will require more clear and detailed training for operations personnel at these facilities. To help develop this training program, Zeeco performed extensive testing of steam assisted flares at the Zeeco Combustion Research and Test Facility in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. The testing covered a wide range of operating conditions, specifically focusing on turndown conditions. Testing included emissions plume sampling, as well as real-time data from the same specialized infrared camera currently being used by TCEQ. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models of the testing were generated and compared to the actual results in order to calibrate the prediction models. Through further research it is hoped that the prediction models can then be used to determine if existing flares require any modification to meet current or possible new legislation. The main focus of the testing was aimed at finding and setting the proper operating parameters for steam flares at turndown conditions to allow existing stacks to remain in operation with little or no modification, while still meeting the required destruction and removal efficiencies (DRE). This paper discusses the approach and results of this testing, as well as recommendations for steam flare operation.